"This World Cup has got a very international feel to it." - Jimmy Armfield, Radio 5 Live pundit.

"It was really difficult for us playing in the midday sun with that 3 o'clock kick-off." - David Beckham, after England 1 Paraguay 0.

"We lost to possibly the worst England team in history." - Jose Luis Chilavert, ex-Paraguay goalkeeper.

"England are the New York Mets. Massively, ridiculously overrated by their media, always involved in some sort of comic downfall, insane injuries, woeful management. A car crash waiting to happen, at which stage the local media go berserk." - Boston Globe's spookily prescient pre-tournament verdict.

"I've left him to boil in his own soup. He must change his computer chip." - Marcello Lippi, the Italy coach, on Daniele De Rossi's red card for elbowing a US player.

"I've got the passion, but no idea of tactics. I'd be like a black Kevin Keegan." - Ian Wright, BBC pundit.

"I'm not married to David Beckham. I'm not even engaged to him." - Sven Goran Eriksson on his close rapport with the captain.

"He whacked me hard on the head and left a big bruise. But I'm still going to wear my top and support England. I'd support Scotland if they were there." - apshaw, aged seven, assaulted for wearing the "Auld Enemy" shirt in Edinburgh.

"If Brazil are the best team in the World Cup, I'm Geri Halliwell." - Sir Elton John during the group stages.

"The US is out of the World Cup. We lose this thing every four years. It's like we're Democrats." - Jay Leno, host of the Tonight Show in America.

"Ninety minutes before a game there's not much a coach can do. You can't talk to players so you sit drinking tea." - Sven Goran Eriksson.

"You are a virtuoso, a genius of world football. You are also a man of heart, commitment, conviction. That's why France admires and loves you." - nedine Zidane yesterday.

"Arsène Wenger took everyone to the Champions' League final except Theo Walcott. Even the tea lady." - Ossie Ardiles

"The US finally came up with an exit strategy. Unfortunately it's for the World Cup." - Jay Leno.

"When they get back to Manchester United's training ground, I wouldn't be surprised if Rooney doesn't stick one on him." - Alan Shearer after the Wayne Rooney-Cristiano Ronaldo spat.

"We've shown that we're not criminals but great footballers." - Alessandro Del Piero, helping Italy into the final as scandal engulfed Juventus.

"I'm not watching the World Cup. I'm Welsh and I don't like football." - Gavin Henson, rugby union player.

"He was very sad for everything that happened but this is life. He is a human being, not a god." - Alain Migliaccio, Zinedine Zidane's agent, following the Frenchman's sending-off in the World Cup final.